Hillside Headache: Damp and Cracked Rental Fails Standards
Tenants in Nelson have been awarded $6000 after their hillside rental property failed to meet the Government’s Healthy Homes Standards. The house, located on the Port Hills near the Tāhunanui slump—a slow-moving landslide zone—was described as draughty, damp, and uneven.
Despite the landlord’s assurance that problems had been resolved, an independent inspection found the home was damaged and unlikely to reach legal compliance. The Nelson City Council confirmed there were no recorded slips directly affecting the property, although the area is considered active.
Tenants’ Experience
Lisa-Maree and Dominic Hurdle rented the house for over $500 a week after signing the lease in March last year. They moved out in July this year. Pressed for time in their housing search, they signed the tenancy agreement without viewing the property first while working with a Ministry of Social Development housing adviser.
Tribunal Decision
“It was evident straight away that there were significant issues with the house,”
Brennan noted that the tenancy began under a new agency, The Rent Shop, while landlord Colin Barrow had previously managed it through another company.
Inspection Findings
- The property was located within an active slip zone.
- Cracks and uneven floors were consistent with ground movement.
- Poor insulation and dampness made the home unhealthy to live in.
The tribunal ruled in favor of the tenants, granting compensation for both inadequate living conditions and breach of rental standards.
Author’s Summary
The Nelson couple’s case highlights continuing issues with substandard rentals in New Zealand’s hillside areas and the need for stricter property compliance enforcement.